1/21/2008 @ 3:00PM

In Pictures: The World's Most Expensive Universities

United States

No. 1: George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

Current annual tuition and fees: $39,240

Its the most expensive four-year university in the United States–and most likely the world. Located just blocks from the White House and State Department, GW does have a front-row view of the nations power centers; its also about $3,300 more per year than cross-town rival Georgetown University, the next priciest school in Washington. GW officials point out that the school offers more need-based financial aid than any other university in the country.